Keys to Learning Gratitude

Learning gratitude in real life takes effort.

It is easy to have a thankful heart during Thanksgiving week, but when tough times come throughout the year, gratitude in real life takes discipline.

Even when hard times come, God is good.

The discipline of gratitude is developed through observing God’s hand and seeing the blessings that He pours out to us, even when we receive life altering news.

My unwanted journey through cancer has highlighted the importance of simple gratitude.

I had to lean into the Lord through worship and prayer for healing, restoration, and strength. He accepted my questions and heard my prayers. God gave me peace of His presence through the surgery, radiation, and chemo treatments for head and neck cancer.

And He has increased gratitude in my heart.

Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 provides instruction to develop lifelong gratitude.

Rejoice.

How can we rejoice when we get hard news?

By remembering the the truth of God’s character to be with us, Emmanuel.

We can know God’s peace when life gets turned upside down because He is always present.

God orchestrated my medical care between two states when I didn’t know how it would happen. I didn’t want the cancer diagnosis, but I was glad there were medical advancements to treat it.

Pray.

Bring every concern of your heart to the Lord.

Sometimes our prayers might be a sigh turned heavenward as we look to the Lord.

Other times our prayers are earnest pleas for a dire situation.

During my unwanted journey, I had to accept some uncomfortable parts of the treatment.

Prayer helped me adjust my attitude from resistance to acceptance.

I didn’t want a feeding tube, but it kept me alive when I couldn’t eat as normal. I became thankful for it.

Give thanks.

We learn to look up to the Lord as we go through trying times, though we may not be thankful for the hard situation.

Our faith grows when we offer thanks to God even if He is quiet.

Our perspective shifts from the situation to the Lord when we look for his fingerprints and count our blessings.

Studies have shown that gratitude trains the brain to be positive.

We see the beauty of nature, the joy of family, the comfort of friends, provision for daily needs, and strength for each day as precious gifts.

We grow in the discipline of giving thanks to God in real life.

How can this happen?

• Begin each day with a prayer of thanks to God for the new day and its opportunities.
• End each day with a prayer of thanks for the physical provisions—food, shelter, safety, family.
• Give up complaining for a day.

Everyday presents the opportunity to express thanksgiving to God.

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown

I’m still growing in the discipline of gratitude, even on days when I don’t feel like it.

It’s a lifelong journey to have a thankful heart.

May our eyes be open to the seen and unseen blessings as we grow in the discipline of gratitude.